The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1887-05-27
A MOONLIGHT WALK.

l
| sa'7.
| A MOONLIGHT WALK.
The last words John Mscomber, my be.
trothed husband, naid 40 he left me stand.
Ing on the porch Of the Ocean House,
Long Branch, were these:
"Ilit Is possible for me to como down
tomorrow morning I will telegraph some
time during the day, but II you don't hear
from me you will know. that intend to
wait until Saturday"
l don't know how 1t was, but all that
day felt worried, particularly as the
hours dragged along md the telegram /
expected never came. Toward evening /
began, however, 70 comfort myself with
the thought that Saturday would soon ar
rive, and by O'Clock was out with
party OF friends on tho green in front OF
the hotel listening to the orchestra.
"This is Mr.. Eustsce," said Fred, nv
brother.in.lsw, "a friend from New York;
and l looked up 10 find handsome and
intelligent-looking man, VINO, 10 Judge
from appearances, had come down to the
seashore to DO well entertained.
$50 John hasn't come down yeti" ask.
ed Fred. swell, l suppose business ia
pressing. Perhaps. Eustace, you would
like TO take q walk on tho beach. Eth,
Kate ?"
fnnlt,, ~
that didn't think was doing anything
wrong to walk on the beach with Fred'a
friend, even II I was engaged. 30 of we
started over the sands under the light Of a
partially hid moon. 1t was night to
make love in; even the breeze seemed
wooing; but it made me sad, for 1t brought
my thoughts back to John again. NV
companion noticed was precccupied, and
said gayly:
"Comn, this will nevor do. make 1t q
point, Miss Harris, to nurse the sentiment.
al only 80 long as 1t contributes to my
peacs OF mind, invariably striking my
colors OF the trstsymptom Of Melancholy.
Why, there is a tug at my heartstring this
very moment"
Tried to reply, but strangely familiar
step behind us attracted my attention.
Mr.. Eustace continued apparently una.
ware Of my nervousness and still dreamily:
II am sometimes half inclined TO be.
lieve, though, that an occasional sensation
OF this kind serves 10 assist in the estab.
lishment Of ones spiritual equilibrium,
aud"
Just then the moon emerged from its
hiding place; the step which had brought
my heart with quick bump TO my throat
rapidly passed US; deep, hard, but well.
known voice, said "Good evening, Miss
Harris," and for a brief second my eyes
met John MGcomber'g. Ny hand must
have trembled, ior my companion looked
down into my fsce with IN expreesion OF
deep sulicitude, as be said:
Excuse me, Misc Harris, bu. what has
alarmed you? Surely not the gentleman
who has just shot past us with such We.
lu.;!y He did look savage, lmuat con-
tess. Would YGV Ike TO Return now?"
III you p!uase," answered, striving in
vain TO keep my voice steady. l never
knew what that man thought OF me-
never cared much, it ia true-Rnd never
comprehended how Ireaehed the hotel, or
whether the farce Of conversation was
kept up or not. had but one thought
and that one, John.
There WA no sleep for me- that night
Tho next morniog made Fred promise
thst he would call at Johns office during
the day, and tell him how l came TO bs
walking with bis friend. sent him o.
note, s!so-a queer kind OF composition,
think 1t must have been, for Twas almost
crszed.
Oh, how long that day seemed. But
the shades OF evening descended, after
hours OF unutterHb!e misery, and Fred
arrived.
There now" aaid no soothingly, "ior
Heavens sake don't take on any more,
haven't eeen John, although l called at
his Office three times. His head clerk
thought he would not BIS in much before
| 8, and had to leave town before | could
see him, and now dreEs youraelf and come
down to tea, like good girl. Whatever
did, klte, wouldn't come the love-
sick. That is role entirely out OF your
line and immensely unbecOmiUg."
agreed with him and quietly decided
that M relatives should never again he
troubled with any sriei Of mine, condemn
ed poor Fred Gs q Croee, uDsympathiziug
brute, made tasteful toilet, and R.ole
quietly out OF the hotel, determined 10 at
!ess! enjoy the privilege OF solitude, il
nothing more. think must have walk
ed miles, and OF aht ChanceG upon spot
| entirely deserted.
realized that it was late 10 be 60 long
distance alone from this hotel; but this
eituation was 60 comfortable compared 10
any other | could conceive o! that | aca.-
cely gave il another thought, until, to my
sufpTIEe and horror, found that the tiny
boat in which ! he'd taken refuge was
completely surrounded by water.
tried my beet 10 devise plan TO reach
terra tirma, but there WEB no esCape, and
the little skill was pitching mGdly. L
shrieked Tor help, held OIL prrscveriugly
to the hide OF the boat. and kept my back
10 the breakers, determined to sell my life
40 dearly as possible.
| The last remainder was giving one
wild, fearful cry !Or John, and imagining
! I hesrd voices; then all WEB rhaoH.
When opened my eyes again Was in
my own bed and half dean Hn1ioua
faces looked down upon tne. The past
came back like a fish, but my frBtthousht
was Of John.
"Hayu you heard from him2" whis-
pnred to Fred, who stood o: my right
hand, looking very much like man con-
dUmned to tie gGlows.
"Good Lord ies, Kate" no replied
Erred always would use explOIiyCn, and
On this occasion | tliinl, no waa fully cx-
cusable) "iou'fe fool, sud he WIS An
other. Come here, Old fellow, and tell
her 20 yoarcit aud then perhups she'll
manage to keep from Tightening u to
death"
Another second and was in John Ma
comberR arms.
Tic had been jCalcra and he owned ii.